Batman goes on trial for class at UNF

A man recently went on trial after being arrested for driving under the influence - but not just any man.

It was the Caped Crusader himself, protector of the innocent: Batman.

Batman was just one of many fantastical characters put on trial by students participating in a six-week mock trial course at the University of North Florida.

The intensive program was designed not only to expose students to the arduous process of a trial, but also to provide a forum in which students are able to hone their public speaking skills, organizers said.

"I have always struggled with public speaking," said political science major Maria Paula Crowley, a member of the prosecution team with Rachael Tutwiler, Edgar Alvarez and Amanda Brunson.

"This course gave me the tools and the confidence I needed to be able to stand up and speak in front of a crowd."

Roles were tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of each student.

Once assigned their parts, students were given a week to prepare for the trial.

"We prepared our case step-by-step, working on everything from drafting opening and closing statements to preparing both witnesses and evidence," said Tutwiler, who is student body president and led the prosecution team.

The course was developed 11 years ago by Martin Edwards, director of UNF's Pre-Law Program, who also writes the trial scenarios. It was one of the first of its kind in the country and has since been copied by other universities across the nation, according to a news release.

The "trial," which was presided over by Circuit Court Judge Gregg McCaulie, a member of the Pre-Law Program's board of advisers, also gave students a chance to present their case in front of an experienced judge.

"This process allows students who have an interest in law to not only learn about court procedure, it also gives them a chance to think about how they will present a case," McCaulie said.

McCaulie said he certainly takes his role to heart.

"This is a fun experience, but I'm not going to give these students any special treatment." he said. "If they have an objection, I am going to demand to know the grounds for the objection."

The Batman trial centered on Bruce Wayne, who consumed some alcohol at his own party, then suited up and headed toward the Bat Signal.

According to the news release: "On his way, he loses control of the vehicle and runs into a tree. An inexperienced police officer demands to see his license and remove his mask. Batman refuses, in order to protect his identity, and consequently is arrested for DUI and resisting arrest."

The two-hour trial reinforced several participants' desire to attend law school.

"I have always considered shelling out the money for law school," said UNF junior John Barnes, 20, who played Batman. "After this experience, though, there is no doubt in my mind that I want to be an attorney."

While the jury may still be out for some students considering law school, after a short deliberation, the seven jurors acquitted Batman.